Flowers are left at a security gate near the scene of yesterday's bombing attack at the Boston Marathon. (April 16, 2013) Photo Credit: Getty Images

In the midst of all the carnage, sadness and shock, the National Rifle Association is pondering a sigh of ill-deserved relief that this tragedy was not another related to gun violence ["Terror at the marathon," News, April 16].

However, the results are the same, whether it's Oklahoma City or Aurora, Colo. Shrapnel wounds, tissue trauma, injury and death. Death, destruction and shattered lives. In today's post-9/11 society, it's not just about the difference between physical bombs, guns or knives.

Who was watching the event from the city's control center, with cameras looking for suspicious movements or unattended packages? Where were the plainclothes police and security officers? Where were the bomb-sniffing dogs?

The reportedly suspicious man wearing all black at the Boston Marathon, trying to gain access to a restricted area, should have been a red flag. See something, say something.

Then there is the question of ability to obtain bomb-making ingredients and chemical weapons.

There will never be an absolute method to protect ourselves from terrorism.

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According to George W. Bush's 2010 book, "Decision Points," if Hussein had been allowed to stay in power, he would have been able to underwrite anti-American terrorist attacks. In that case, the new normal we could be facing would dwarf the severity and carnage of the Boston Marathon attack.

Eugene R. Dunn, Medford

This was a terrible tragedy, presumably perpetrated by cowardly individuals seeking a morbid form of notoriety. Each time, they seem be in competition with the previous sicko.

Why does the media feed them the attention they crave? This terrible event is now being covered in ridiculous detail that I am sure this individual just loves to hear. It seems our news media are actually being used as their feedback on the horrible deeds they created.

Maybe a little restraint is needed to frustrate these individuals and deny them the perverted fame they seem to need.

The media, public officials, et al., should please stop referring to the Boston Marathon bombings as a tragedy and refer to it as an atrocity. A tragedy is a sad event, while an atrocity is a wicked, evil or cruel act.